TikTok is full of content creators excited to share their latest food hack. From unexpected flavor combinations to innovative techniques, there is always a new trend to try. While most of these ideas are incredible, not all are deserving of the hype. We’ve reviewed 11 of the 2021 TikTok viral food trends to let you know whether these ideas are truly bussin’ or low-key busted.
Corn Ribs
Read More »Corn ribs are made by cutting an ear of corn into four pieces before seasoning and cooking in your air fryer. We were cautiously optimistic about this dish but it exceeded all our expectations. The corn comes out perfectly cooked and full of flavor with a fresh mayo, queso and lime topping that perfectly balances the spice rub. Try this for yourself with this Elote style corn rib recipe from the Seasoned to Taste Blog!
Mustard on Watermelon
Verdict: Busted
This viral combination is as simple as it gets. Influencers (and even Lizzo) are putting French’s Yellow Mustard on fresh watermelon in 2021’s most unlikely food mashup. Fans of the combination promise a sweet and savory flavor that highlights the natural sugars in the fruit. If you’re a big fan of mustard, you might like this but for most people, this is one trend to skip.
Frozen “Candy Grapes”
Verdict: Bussin’
To make this frozen treat, TikTokers are tossing grapes in a bag with a packet of Jell-O powder and freezing overnight. Using any flavored Jell-O, or even powdered lemonade, the flavor options are almost endless. Not only is this the perfect refreshing snack for summer, but it’s also low-calorie!
Pesto Eggs
Verdict: Bussin’
Another super easy recipe, this trend uses pesto instead of your typical cooking oil when frying up eggs. The result is a crispy egg with the perfect amount of saltiness, garlic and bright basil flavor. These eggs put any breakfast sandwich over the top but our favorite is to layer them over avocado toast.
Pasta Chips
Verdict: Busted
The idea behind pasta chips is to fully cook your pasta before adding olive oil, seasoning and cheese. Toss together and throw the mix into your air fryer at 400° for 10 minutes. You can dip the crispy, golden brown pasta into marinara or any other sauce and snack away! Despite the videos singing praise for this dish, the pasta has a dense crunch that’s a little difficult to chew and uncooked sections can be a soggy surprise. Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food and see what you think!
Tortilla Hack
Verdict: Bussin’
This viral hack shows you how to fold a tortilla to achieve a four-layer snack. The beauty of this trick is that the flavor combinations are limitless and the folding style keeps your fillings from spilling out! For 20 ways to create these layered tortillas at home, check out these recipes from Alpha Foodie.
Nature’s Cereal
Verdict: Bussin’
TikTokers are swapping out packaged cereal for a combination of fruit, coconut water and ice. Although you can use any type of berry for this dish, pomegranate seeds add the most cereal-like crunch. Here’s the full low-cal breakfast recipe from Sugar and Soul.
Skittles Popcorn
Verdict: Busted
In the TikTok version of this trend, a user shares a video of themselves adding skittles, popcorn and oil to a pan resulting in rainbow-colored kettle corn. In reality, this doesn’t work. Not only do all the colors blend into an unsavory brown, but the coating doesn’t stick to the popcorn as advertised. However, there’s still hope. Using a different method, the Penny Pinchin Mom makes this work by pouring a melted Skittles mixture over her popcorn AFTER it cooks.
Charcuterie Rose
Verdict: Bussin’
Charcuterie boards are taking social media by storm. If you loved Lunchables as a kid, chances are you’ll be a fan of this adult version featuring slices of meat, cheese, crackers, veggies and spreads. This hack makes it easy to transform a few slices of salami into a rose-shaped centerpiece to decorate your board. Check out this super easy tutorial from Bake Me Some Sugar to learn how to make these at home.
Baked Feta Pasta
Verdict: Bussin’
This pasta dish is perfect for summer. It barely requires any prep, just toss fresh cherry tomatoes, shallots, garlic and feta in a baking pan, coat with seasoning and then roast until bubbling and thickened. Toss with pasta and you have this insanely filling comfort food dish with bright, summery flavors. Try this for yourself by following this recipe from Delish.
Carrot Bacon
Verdict: Bussin’
When vegan food star, Tabitha Brown, introduced this recipe, social media went crazy over the crispy plant-based maple bacon. Sweet and smoky, these carrots have an addictive flavor and crunch, perfect for topping sandwiches, serving as a side dish or even to eat as a snack! If you want to make this at home, just follow this simple recipe from Parade.
